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Code & Deliverynoun|verb · /bɪld/

build

In simple English

In software development, 'build' has two main uses. As a verb, it means to compile and assemble code, dependencies, and assets into a working application. This process transforms human-readable source code into machine-readable instructions. As a noun, a 'build' is the resulting executable or package, often with a version number. For example, developers might say 'The build failed' when the compilation process encountered errors, or 'We released build 2.1.3' when shipping a new version. In CI/CD pipelines, builds happen automatically when code is pushed. Teams often discuss build times, build artifacts, and build configurations in daily standups and planning sessions.

What does build mean in software development, and how is the build process used in tech companies?

At a glanceCEFR B2
Commonness5/5
Versatility5/5
FormalityCasualFormalNeutral
Spoken ↔ WrittenSpokenWrittenBoth
Directness ↔ DiplomaticDirectDiplomaticDirect
RegionUS and UK
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Say it like this

✓The build is broken
✓Let's do a clean build
✓The latest build passed all tests
✓We need to optimize the build time
✓I will trigger a build now

Real examples

in a standup

"Yesterday we had a build failure, but we fixed it this morning and everything is green now."

in a code review

"Your changes look good, but make sure the build passes before I approve the pull request."

in a team meeting

"We shipped build 3.2.1 to production yesterday without any issues."

in Slack

"Can someone check why the build is taking so long today?"

in a deployment meeting

"We will roll out this build to 10 percent of users first to monitor for errors."

Don't say this

Handle with care. Non-native speakers sometimes confuse 'build' (the process of compiling code) with 'make' or 'create'. Also, 'build' as a noun can refer to the output or the process itself, which requires context.

✕We need to build the application from zero.
✓We need to build the application from scratch.— The correct phrase is 'from scratch', not 'from zero', when starting development.
✕The build is compiling right now, so it is making.
✓The build is compiling right now.— 'Making' is not necessary. 'Build' already implies the compilation process.
✕We build a new version every week.
✓We release a new build every week.— When referring to the final product, use 'release a build', not just 'build a version'.
✕I build the code on my computer.
✓I build the code locally on my computer.— Add 'locally' for clarity, or use 'compile' for the act of transforming source code.

Other forms

verb

build

"I build the project every morning before standup."

verb past tense

built

"We built the new feature last sprint."

verb present participle

building

"The system is building the Docker image now."

noun

build

"The latest build includes fixes for three critical bugs."

noun plural

builds

"We tested five different builds before deciding on this one."

Often used with

build failsUsed when compilation does not complete successfully due to errors.
build passesUsed when compilation succeeds and all checks are complete.
trigger a buildTo manually start or initiate the build process.
build timeThe duration it takes for the build process to complete.
build artifactThe output files produced by the build, such as .jar, .exe, or Docker images.
build pipelineThe automated process that builds code when changes are pushed.
release a buildTo deploy or ship a compiled version to users.
clean buildRebuilding from scratch without cached files or previous state.
build numberA unique identifier or version number for a specific build.

Similar words

compileMore technical and refers specifically to transforming code; 'build' is broader and includes packaging.
assembleLess commonly used in modern tech; emphasizes putting components together.
packageRefers to preparing the build for distribution; narrower scope than build.

Opposites

breakfail

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Practice

Try it

4 quick exercises

Pick the most natural phrasing

1. Your colleague asks what happened with the code you pushed. What do you say?

Complete the sentence

2. I cannot deploy this version because the _______ is still failing in our CI pipeline.

Spot the mistake

3. Which sentence uses 'build' incorrectly?

Rewrite naturally

4. Rewrite this in natural tech English: 'Can you compile the code and put it in a package so we can send it to customers?'

Questions

Quick poll

Have you said "build" in a standup this week?

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